Summer Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Steal

Whether you're getting married at the start of the season in late June, at the tail-end in late September, or in the middle during either July or August, a summer wedding date affords you tons of opportunities to embrace the season on your big day. If you're taking advantage of the sunny forecast and tying the knot on the beach or serving your favorite seasonal treats (think ice cream or sliced watermelon), you already understand what the hottest months have to offer. Ultimately, it's easy to see why so many couples wed during the summer months.

If you're one of those couples, consider the following summer wedding ideas—they'll help you curate the best-possible warm-weather event. Not sure how to begin adding seasonal details to your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Start with the basics: Capitalize on your outdoor wedding venue by hosting all of your festivities in the open air. The Secret Owl and Splendid Events took advantage of the beautiful nighttime summer weather by holding this reception outside. The pros filled the space with summery colors like red and blue using rentals from Mint Event Finds and lighting from Christos Soleas.

While seasonal décor is a must when crafting a summer event, there's one other factor to consider: It's also key to keep guests' comfort in mind—which is why we've also provided plenty of ideas that will help your attendees beat the heat, stave off mosquitoes, and avoid other summertime nuisances. From décor suggestions to practical advice, this list has it all. So, before you plan your summer wedding, take get inspired by the idea ahead. With all of this inspiration under your belt, your nuptials will feel like the ultimate summer vacation for your celebrants.

If you're tying the knot during the summer, you might be thinking of wearing a short dress. Not only did this Zimmerman number's length help keep the bride cool, but the cutouts on the back made the look even more warm-weather ready.

At your summertime event, your paper goods will be even more impressive if they serve a dual purpose. These folding menus by The Paper Refinery doubled as fans to help guests cool off during the reception. The floral print on the back of the stationery also matched the table's Floressence Flowers centerpiece and décor by Willow & Oak.

Fewer things scream summer more than a pink-and-orange color palette, which makes this Splendid Events centerpiece particularly seasonal. Take notes from the pros and use the colors throughout your own floral arrangements. Sliced fruit also nod to summer.

Florals are always a welcome addition to a ceremony aisle, but for a summer wedding, we think orange trees are an even better option. LVL Weddings & Events proved flowers and oranges look even prettier together than they do apart when styling the last row of this ceremony's chairs; the team also added a small mix of roses from Heavenly Blooms to the bottom of the display.

Emphasize your in-season pink-and-white color scheme by making like this bride and outfitting your bridesmaids in blush gowns. These attendants' ensembles matched their muted bouquets from Bellaflora Farms perfectly.

Welcome your attendees to your warm-weather event by treating them to some seasonal goodies. We're pretty sure they'll thank you for something like this summery spread, complete with honey and gin from Bar Hill, florals from Tarrnation Flower Farm, and twine from Silk & Willow.

If your ceremony will take place in an outdoor area without shade, you'll need to find another way to help your guests beat the heat. That's why The Twelve Events set up this fan station at this summertime event.

During the summer, so many different flowers, fruits, and vegetables are in peak season, which means it's beyond easy to incorporate them into your big-day décor. Want a truly inspired idea? Just look to these citrus escort cards by Dana Marino Design and Fabulously Chic.

Chances are, your cocktail hour and reception will be full of seasonal favorites, but for a truly refreshing bite, we suggest passing around frozen watermelon slices.

There are many ways to keep your guests cool during your outdoor ceremony (think parasols or ceremony program fans). For some, a hat is the best option. We're loving the off-white fedoras that were provided at this event. Not only were they a stylish way to combat the heat, but attendees could also wear them after the wedding was over.

There's something so light and airy about acrylic details—two elements that are a must for summer wedding décor. This see-through seating chart by Kari Rider Events and Steph B. & Co. hit both notes and placed all of the emphasis on the in-season blooms from Crimson & Clover.

It's important that both the bride and groom are comfortable at their summer wedding. Whether you're planning on wearing a full-length gown or a tuxedo, make like this couple and make attire tweaks that work with the season. The short sleeves on the bride's Oscar de la Renta dress and the light color of the groom's Suit it Up Manila tux ensured they felt (and looked!) great all day long.

To keep cool on a hot summer day, light colors (not dark shades, which absorb sunrays!) are a must. Consider beige gowns—these were from Watters—for your bridal party. The thoughtfully selected attire will help your 'maids stay comfortable without sacrificing style.

One of the best parts about summery fruits? They add a bit of color wherever you decide to use them. On this neutral table by Twofold LA, kumquats were featured on both the settings and in the centerpiece (full of white lilies from Emblem Flowers) for a pop of orange. Adding beachy texture—consider something like these wicker chargers from Borrowed BLU—will only add to the summer vibe.

Seafood is a summertime staple, so feel free to offer it at your cocktail hour. These oysters from Ravishing Radish Catering were just one small part of this event's seasonal spread.

When thinking of your and your future husband's big-day looks, draw inspiration from your favorite summer color palettes. Although blue, white, and gray were an unexpected choice for this bride's Golden Apple Weddings bouquet and groom's Menz Club tux, they still felt seasonal.

If the beautiful outdoors is the setting for your summer wedding, you won't want anything to obstruct your view—including your seating chart. Guest found their seats (and enjoyed the landscape of Stone Tower Winery) at this event via this acrylic setup by Leah Letters and Ashlee Virginia Events. Planters full of florals from Nature Composed were added the display to emphasize the outdoor vibe.

For a wedding cake with summer vibes, ask your baker to work with a vibrant color palette and in-season florals. That's exactly what Růže Cake House did when creating this confection. The pros worked with yellow buttercream and orange-and-pink roses to make the ultimate summer dessert.

Fruity cocktails aren't the only summer signature drink option out there. Instead, bring seasonal flair to your beverages in an unexpected (and tasty) way by serving popsicles. These iterations served as both swizzle sticks and ice cubes and came with a message—written by Sophia Loves Letters—prompting guests to "stay cool."

Floral stationery will let your guests know about your warm-weather big day before they even see the date on the card. Attendees got a glimpse of the orange-and-pink peonies on this Betty Lu Paperie suite thanks to a see-through vellum envelope.

If you're throwing a seaside ceremony, draw inspiration from your surroundings when designing your big-day confection. Mussel shells added a bit of verticality, color, and seasonality to this one-tier by Yam & Bean.

For a warm-weather event, replace a traditional wedding cake with ice cream. The frozen treat is a no-brainer when it comes to staving off the heat. Nimble & Finn's served up a variety of flavors at this couple's summer celebration.

It goes without saying that water is a necessity at any summertime wedding, but that doesn't mean that it has to be plain. To make the refreshment a little more appealing, serve it flavored, like Danae Grace Events did here, by adding in sliced fruits.

Searching for a practical accessory for your wedding look? Sunglasses—these were from The Market NYC—will do the trick.

We'd argue that there's not much better than a destination wedding during the summer, but make sure your guests are protected from the sun; this couple passed out parasols to do so. To nod to their Italian location, the umbrellas sat in an embroidered basket reading "pazzo di te," or "crazy about you."

During your outdoor wedding, you won't want to wear stilettoes that sink into the grass, ruining the shoe forever. Instead, opt for something with a sturdy block heel, like these Alexandre Birman sandals.

Summer is the season of vibrant colors, so why wouldn't you want to wear them down the aisle? This bride and groom—the former in Abbeydale and the latter in Monique Lhuillier—wore bright hues that worked with their summertime event.

After your warm-weather reception, take a few photos (and a ride) with your new husband or wife in a convertible and enjoy the evening air.

If there's one drawback to summer, it's the bugs. That's why it's important to make sure guests are equipped with plenty of bug spray (like this couple did here) if your reception is outdoors.

Welcome guests to your wedding with gifts that'll help them enjoy the warmer weather. This couple offered Turkish towels, sunglasses, boxed water, and more to their attendees.

Make sure that water is readily accessible throughout your celebration. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can turn glass bottles into table numbers for your reception—just add digits with paint!

We recommend serving lighter libations for an extra-refreshing cocktail hour. A few floating petals in each glass—like those in these Weddings & Events by Emily drinks—are always a pretty touch. Alternatively, opt for frozen drinks!

Serve up your favorite summertime snack (s'mores!) in a stylish way. Mallow Mallow provided these treats.